The Nigerian Senate has established an adhoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands. The committee is to report within two months, while the Senate urges President Tinubu to protect Nigeria’s territorial waters and oil revenues. Senators expressed the need for immediate action to stop this encroachment, which is seen as a significant national concern affecting both sovereignty and economic interests.
The Senate of Nigeria is taking serious action in response to the reported illegal annexation of Nigeria’s mangrove islands by Cameroon. On Tuesday, an adhoc committee was established to investigate this issue and deliver recommendations within two months. Furthermore, the Senate urged President Bola Tinubu to implement measures to protect Nigeria’s territorial waters, particularly concerning over 2,560 oil wells located in the disputed region of Akwa Ibom State.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo South will chair the newly formed adhoc committee, which includes notable members such as Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Seriake Dickson, Shehu Lawan Kaka, and others. This decision was made following a motion introduced by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who highlighted the significant economic and territorial ramifications stemming from Cameroon’s incursion into Nigerian land.
Senator Bassey emphasized that the affected mangrove islands, situated in Efiat-Mbo Local Government Area, were not part of the territories ceded to Cameroon under historical treaties or international rulings. He expressed grave concern over the presence of Cameroonian security forces imposing their laws on Nigerian citizens in 16 villages, calling it a “monumental national embarrassment.”
He further cautioned that this encroachment is inflicting substantial economic losses on Nigeria, particularly concerning oil and gas revenues. Bassey pointed out that the actions of Cameroon constitute a violation of international agreements, warranting a potential review of the 2002 International Court of Justice ruling regarding the matter.
Contributions from other senators underscored the urgency of taking decisive action to address this provocation. Senator Seriake Dickson characterized the inhabitants of the affected areas as “stateless” due to the conflicting actions of both nations. In support, Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau insisted that immediate action is necessary.
Senator Abdul Ningi described the situation as grave, urging immediate engagement with President Bola Tinubu to emphasize that the issue affects all of Nigeria, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim reiterated the challenge to Nigerian sovereignty and the need for UN involvement. Following the resolutions, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the formation of the adhoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation, with an eight-week deadline for reporting back to the Senate.
The Senate of Nigeria is taking proactive steps to address the unlawful annexation of its mangrove islands by Cameroon. By forming an adhoc committee tasked with thorough investigation and demanding swift protective measures from the President, the Senate aims to uphold Nigeria’s territorial integrity and economic interests in the region. This situation highlights the urgent need for engagement with international bodies to resolve the territorial dispute and safeguard the rights of affected Nigerian citizens.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
